Ekiti Decides: EU-SDGN Warns on Vote Buying, Political Intimidation Ahead of Poll

The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has expressed concern over reports of vote buying, political intimidation and disinformation ahead of Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State.

In a pre-election statement issued on Friday, the observation mission said the overall atmosphere in the state remained largely peaceful but warned that several risks could affect the integrity of the electoral process if not adequately addressed.

The election, scheduled for June 20, will be contested by 13 political parties across 2,445 polling units in the state's 16 local government areas.

According to the observers, Ekiti has 1,059,360 registered voters, while 1,028,929 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected ahead of the poll.

The observation hub comprises the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre and the Centre for Media and Society.

Election Under New Legal Framework

The observer mission described the election as nationally significant because it is the first major governorship poll to be conducted under the Electoral Act 2026 and the new electoral regulations and guidelines introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the statement, the election will serve as an important test of reforms designed to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The observers noted that political parties and candidates have generally complied with the Peace Accord signed on May 21 under the auspices of the National Peace Committee. They said campaigns had largely been conducted peacefully, with only isolated incidents of misconduct reported.

However, the group noted that political realignments in the state had intensified competition and increased tensions in some areas.

INEC Declares Readiness

The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub said INEC had completed eight of its nine scheduled pre-election activities and had declared itself operationally ready for the election.

According to the statement, the commission has distributed sensitive and non-sensitive materials, configured and tested BVAS devices, recruited and trained election personnel, and put in place logistics arrangements for deployment across the state.

INEC has also deployed National Comm issioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners to support the conduct of the pollThe observer mission acknowledged these preparations but urged the electoral body to remain impartial and ensure strict compliance with the electoral legal framework.

It also called on INEC to guarantee the prompt electronic transmission and uploading of polling unit results and ensure transparency in result collation and declaration. While commending INEC's mock accreditation exercise, the observers expressed concern over what they described as low public participation.

The group also noted that the exercise did not include testing result transmission to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which it described as critical to transparency and public trust.

Security Situation Largely Calm

According to the observation mission, the overall security situation in Ekiti remains calmer than previous governorship elections in the state.

However, it identified specific areas of concern.

The statement highlighted Ado-Ekiti as potentially vulnerable to urban electoral violence, while Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje local government areas were identified as being exposed to cross-border criminal activities, including kidnapping.

The observers noted that security agencies had deployed personnel across the state and that the Nigeria Police Force had assured stakeholders of adequate security before, during and after the election.

The group urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and focused on protecting voters, election officials, journalists and observers. It also encouraged the use of intelligence-led operations to combat vote trading.

Concerns Over Women and Persons With Disabilities

The observation mission expressed concern over what it described as limited public attention to measures designed to facilitate the participation of women and persons with disabil ities.

According to the statement, insufficient efforts have been made to address election-related violence targeting women and vulnerable groups, pointing out that women in rural and low-income communities may be particularly susceptible to voter inducement through economic pressure.

It further noted that transportation restrictions could create challenges for persons with disabilities seeking to access polling units.

The observers urged INEC, political parties, security agencies and civil society groups to take deliberate steps to ensure full participation by women and persons with disabilities.

Vote Buying and Disinformation Risks

The mission identified voter inducement as one of the most significant threats facing the election. According to the statement, observers received reports of the distribution of money, food items and other materials intended to influence voters.

The report also cited allegations of organised vote-buying schemes involving the harvesting of Permanent Voter Card and National Identification Number details in exchange for inducements.

The alleged activities were reported in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, Ikere, Ekiti East and Ekiti West local government areas. They warned that such practices could undermine voter confidence and compromise the credibility of the election.

Observers also raised concerns about misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and X. Among the claims identified were unverified allegations that a political party intended to use cloned PVCs to manipulate voting outcomes.

The group warned that the spread of false information could increase political tension and create confusion among voters.

Recommendations

The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub called on INEC to ensure the timely deployment of election materials, guarantee the functionality of BVAS devices and facilitate seamless electronic transmission of polling unit results.

Political parties and candidates were urged to respect the Peace Accord, reject vote buying and refrain from deploying political thugs while Security agencies were advised to remain neutral and avoid actions that could intimidate voters or suppress participation.

The observers also urged journalists to verify information before publication, avoid reporting unofficial election results and adopt conflict-sensitive reporting throughout the electoral process.

Voters were encouraged to participate peacefully, reject inducements and report incidents of violence, vote buying and electoral malpractice to appropriate authorities.

The observation mission described the election as an important milestone and a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election. It said all stakeholders must work together to ensure that the outcome reflects the freely expressed will of the people of Ekiti State.

"The people of Ekiti State deserve a free, fair, credible and inclusive election that will transparently and accurately reflect their sovereign will," the statement said.